Public Defender Legal Assistant

SALARY GRADE: Flat Rated

The Office of the Public Defender, District 6 in New Hanover County, Wilmington, NC, seeks a qualified individual to provide support for the office attorneys and clients. This is a Monday through Friday, 8am-5pm position.

Duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Data entry for case assignment and disposition reporting pursuant to office policy and the appointment plan.
• Draft letters and correspondence to clients and other professionals.
• Maintain client files and records, including filing, copying and scanning documents.
• Assist tenured legal assistants in meeting the needs of the public defenders.
• Complete administrative tasks including but not limited to, keeping the office stocked with supplies and maintaining a professional office space and assisting coworkers with trouble shooting technology issues as needed.
• Case assignment is fast paced and requires prompt attention. Applicant must be able to take direct feedback from management and the lead intake coordinator as mistakes are made so they can become proficient in the process.

Salary

• $38,000 - $45,000/year

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies

Knowledge of: office practices and procedures; legal terminology; grammar and punctuation; legal forms for orders, judgments, and other documents; commonly used rules, procedures, or methods to perform limited, recurring assignments such as operate computer, printer, switchboard, and copiers.

Skill in: Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook; typing with accuracy and speed; and answering a multi-line telephone system.

Ability to: screen communications and, based on content, handle independently or route to proper destination; spell accurately and use proper grammar; learn specific rules and regulations related to verifying, processing, and maintaining records and documents; use judgment in organizing and establishing document formats; develop a general knowledge of the role and mission of the office and its relationship to other judicial offices; and provide basic information and instructions regarding programs and office procedures.

Applicant will be working in an office environment and must be willing to appear well dressed and appropriate for office and court appearances. It is imperative that applicant be capable of drafting and preparing documents without grammatical errors or mistakes without supervision.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

High school graduation or equivalency certificate and one (1) year of legal clerical experience.

Management prefers candidates with a paralegal certification, associate’s or bachelor’s degree.

We encourage all motivated applicants to apply regardless of education and experience. We are most interested in candidates that feel called to public service and working in indigent defense.

Attach cover letter and résumé.

Attach cover letter indicating why you want to work in indigent defense as well as a résumé.

How to Apply

Applicants must complete an on-line application by clicking the above APPLY link. Mailed or faxed applications will not be accepted.

Before applying, please read the Online Employment Application Guide for instructions on creating your profile and applying for specific postings.

It is important your application includes all of your relevant education and work experience and that you answer all questions associated with the application to receive proper credit. Résumés are not accepted in lieu of fully completed applications.

*NOTE*
Many job postings require certain documents be attached to an application. Verify your application is complete and uploaded documents are attached to your application before submitting it. Applications may not be altered after they have been submitted.

Carefully review the FAQs if you experience difficulty with the application process or attaching documents. For technical issues with applications or attachments, call the NeoGov Help Line at 855-524-5627.

All NC Judicial Branch agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers.

The North Carolina Judicial Branch participates in E-Verify, an internet-based system that compares information from an employee's Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from the US Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment eligibility.
Charmaine J. Leeks
NC Administrative Office of the Courts
Human Resources Division Benefits

Judicial Branch employees are eligible for the North Carolina State Government benefits package. The package consists of a comprehensive collection of benefit options including medical coverage, defined benefit retirement, supplemental retirement, flexible benefits, supplemental insurance, and other miscellaneous benefits.

Employees of the North Carolina Judicial Department have the opportunity to participate in an array of benefit offerings depending on employment status. The Benefits Eligibility Chart describes benefit eligibility by employment status.